Racing

Race Report & Video : Maxiavalanche Vallnord 2014

20.06.2014
by Aaron Steinke

The MAXIAVALANCHE in Vallnord, Andorra is the start of the Enduro Downhill Marathon season. The Maxiavalanche has been held in Vallnord for 13 years and has built up a strong reputation for being one of the best mountain bike destinations. 500 riders took part in this weekend long event of hardcore riding!

Riders lining up for the start of racing
Riders lining up for the start of racing

The race is designed to be accessible by both professionals and amateurs alike, with 5 rounds of qualifying taking place on the Saturday allowing riders of all levels to compete against each other. Only the fastest 100 riders would get to compete in the Maxiavalanche European Cup race the following day.

There were many big names taking part in this event including Cédric Gracia (CG Brigade).
There were many big names taking part in this event including Cédric Gracia (CG Brigade).

Sundays main race would contain several of Enduros best riders, Yoann Barelli, Cédric Gracia, Bryan Regnier and Damien Oton to name a few. Making for stiff competition and great racing for the spectators on Sunday!

Mass Start racing at it's best!
Mass Start racing at it’s best!
One of the faster and more open trail sections in Vallnord. Spot the 'enduro line'!
One of the faster and more open trail sections in Vallnord. Spot the ‘enduro line’!
There are also rocks and roots aplenty!
There are also rocks and roots aplenty!

Times were close in the first round of racing on Sunday with the top 3 riders (Oton, Barelli, Gracia) separated by only 30 seconds! Cédric Gracia would go on to seize victory after the second round closely followed by Damien Oton with Yoann Barelli rounding out the top 3.

The weekends winners pose for a podium slefie.
The weekends winners pose for a podium selfie.

In the women’s race times were also close in the top 3, with Nadine Sapin Emilie Serre and Lea Giraud Marcellin fighting for the top spots. Sapin would go on to win both stages and take the lead in the overall standings.
The mens race finished with Damien Oton taking the overall victory followed by Cédric Gracia and Yoann Barelli.

    1. OTON Damien DEVINCI ALL TRICKS / DEVINCI (France)
    2. GRACIA Cedric BRIGADE / SANTA CRUZ (Andorre)
    3. BARELLI Yoann GIANT OFF-ROAD ENDURO TEAM (France)
    4. LOMBO Santiago ORBEA ENDURO CREW / (ARGENTINE)
    5. AMOUR Karim BH / BH (France)

      1. SAPIN Nadine / SCOTT (France)
      2. SERRE Emilie / COMMENCAL (France)
      3. GIRAUD MARCELLIN Lea / SANTA CRUZ (France)

    Photos: UCC Cyril Charpin Words: Ed Davidson-Bowman

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About the author

Aaron Steinke

Aaron was our first employee and actively helped make our company what it is today, significantly shaping the look and direction of our various magazines. Aaron has been pursuing his own projects since mid-2020 but he continues to advise and support us on issues of marketing and technology. For many years, you would usually have found Aaron at casual enduro races, but increasingly you'll find him riding his road bike – long live freedom on two wheels!

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